Abstract: An improved life vest with an accompanying safety harness is comprised of a life vest body which body is provided with a pliable cushion member mountable about the torso of the wearer. An elongated flexible strap member is secured about the outer surface of the cushion member. One end portion of the strap member is provided with a slipping type buckle (such as a pair of D-rings). The opposite end portion of the strap member is supplied with a suitable connection member such as a hook. There can be further provided a stop member on the strap which limits the degree of constriction which can be achieved by the strap about the vest. Alternatively, the stop could be ommitted, and extra padding in the life vest body utilized to prevent injury to the wearer during constriction of the device.